If you work during weekends or on public holidays in Australia, you may be entitled to extra earnings known as penalty rates. These are higher wages paid to employees working outside standard hours—and in 2025, new rules are in place that affect workers across several industries. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, healthcare, or mining, understanding your employee entitlements is essential.
Australia’s Fair Work system mandates different penalty rates depending on the day, time, and industry. If you’re doing weekend work or rostered on a public holiday, this guide will show how much more you can earn—and when.
Standard Weekend and Holiday Penalty Rates in 2025
The 2025 penalty rates for the most common industries are outlined below. These rates apply to permanent and part-time employees in most australia jobs.
| Day/Time | Hospitality & Retail | Healthcare & Aged Care | Other Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday (all day) | 125% | 150% | 125% |
| Sunday (all day) | 150% | 175% | 150% |
| Public Holidays | 225% | 250% | 200–250% |
| After 10pm (Weekdays) | 115–130% | 130% | 115–125% |
These weekend pay structures ensure that those working during unsociable hours are fairly compensated under Australian law.
Who Gets Penalty Rates in Australia?
If you work in Australia and your contract is governed by an award or enterprise agreement, you are likely eligible for penalty rates. You qualify if:
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Your job falls under Fair Work’s award-based system
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You work weekend work or public holidays
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Your role includes early morning, night, or overtime shifts
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You are a part-time or full-time employee (casuals may receive higher base rates)
Australia jobs that involve shift work and customer-facing duties, such as in supermarkets or hospitals, are the most common sectors affected by public holiday rates.
Changes in 2025 Affecting Penalty Pay
As part of the new Fair Work amendments, certain employee entitlements have been standardized to ensure clarity across industries. Notable changes include:
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Higher weekend pay caps for aged care and hospitality workers
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Enhanced public holiday rates for healthcare workers
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Clearer documentation of penalty rates on payslips
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No more rounding down of minutes worked during penalty hours
These updates ensure that workers in australia jobs receive accurate, transparent compensation for weekend work and holiday hours.
How to Check If You’re Getting the Right Penalty Pay
To make sure you’re receiving correct penalty rates, follow these steps:
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Review your award or enterprise agreement
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Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online Pay Calculator
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Check your pay slips for weekend and public holiday breakdowns
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Speak to your HR team or union representative if in doubt
The right employee entitlements protect you from being underpaid—especially during high-demand weekend work periods.
FAQs
What are penalty rates in Australia?
Penalty rates are higher wages paid to workers who work weekends, nights, or public holidays, as part of their employee entitlements.
Do all employees get weekend pay bonuses?
Not all, but those working under awards or enterprise agreements for australia jobs usually receive weekend pay.
How much is Sunday pay in 2025?
Most industries offer 150%–175% of your standard rate for weekend work on Sundays, based on updated penalty rates.
Are public holiday rates higher in 2025?
Yes, public holiday rates can be up to 250% of your normal wage under certain awards.
Can casual workers get penalty pay too?
Yes, but casuals usually receive a loading instead of standard penalty rates, unless the award states otherwise.
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